How soon can I file unemployment claim with NYS Department of Labor after losing job?
I just got laid off yesterday from my retail job and I'm wondering how quickly I can file for unemployment benefits. I heard there might be a waiting period or something? Should I wait a few days or can I apply right away through the NYS Department of Labor website? I'm really stressed about paying rent next month and want to get this process started as soon as possible.
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Santiago Diaz
You can file your unemployment claim immediately - there's no waiting period to submit your application. The NYS Department of Labor actually recommends filing as soon as possible after your last day of work since benefits are calculated from the date you file, not from when you lost your job. Go to ny.gov and look for the unemployment services section.
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Riya Sharma
•Thank you! I was worried I had to wait a week or something. I'll file today then.
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Millie Long
File right away but keep in mind there IS a one week waiting period before you can receive your first payment. So even though you file immediately, your first week won't be paid. After that you'll get weekly payments if you're approved and keep filing your weekly claims on time.
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KaiEsmeralda
•Wait, I thought they got rid of the waiting week during covid? Or did that change back?
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Millie Long
•The waiting week is back in effect as of 2023. It was suspended during the pandemic but they brought it back.
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Debra Bai
just file asap!! i made the mistake of waiting 2 weeks thinking i needed to find a job first and i lost out on those weeks of benefits. the nys department of labor doesnt backdate claims so every day you wait is money lost
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Gabriel Freeman
I had trouble getting through to file my claim when I lost my job last month. The NYS Department of Labor phone lines were constantly busy and the website kept timing out. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Riya Sharma
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke from losing my job.
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Gabriel Freeman
•I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it to avoid the frustration. You can check their site for current pricing. Sometimes it's better to get help than spend days trying to get through on your own.
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Laura Lopez
The system is SO broken though. Even if you file right away you might wait weeks for adjudication if there's any issue with your claim. I filed immediately when I got laid off in December and I'm still waiting for them to approve my claim because they're 'investigating' something about my previous employer. The NYS Department of Labor moves at a snail's pace.
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Riya Sharma
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! What kind of investigation takes that long?
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Victoria Brown
yep file immediately, good luck getting through though lol
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